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WELCOME TO THE LEMON FORWARD CURDBOX!
As the earth awakens from its winter slumber, there's a palpable sense of renewal in the air, heralding the arrival of spring. And in the world of food, few things evoke the essence of thisseason quite like the vibrant freshness of lemons. Beyond their culinary versatility, lemons symbolize a zestful awakening and a burst of vitality after the long hibernation of winter, offering an unparalleled brightness that epitomizes the renewal and rejuvenation of spring. This month, we'll explore a selection of cheeses and pairings that feature either subtle hints of lemon or harmoniously complement its tart flavor, uplifting aroma, and refreshing qualities to usher in the spirit of the new season.
So, let’s take a look at this month’s box...
Garrotxa by Sant Gil d'Albió
In the picturesque Garrotxa region of Catalonia, Spain, nestled amidst the Pyrenees, lies the birthplace of the famed Garrotxa cheese. Crafted by a select few, with one family holding the torch since its resurgence in the 1980s, this semi-hard delicacy embodies the essence of its mountainous origins. Made from pasteurized goat's milk, it matures into a masterpiece over several weeks, developing a grayish rind that conceals a creamy, ivory interior. Each bite reveals a symphony of flavors—earthy and tangy, with subtle hints of nuts and herbs—culminating in a rich, lactic finish. Garrotxa de Sant Gil d’Albió stands as a testament to tradition, a subtle charmer that captivates with its delicate balance of saltiness and acidity, and Its mild, delicate taste is not at all typical of your average goat’s cheese.
Garrotxa by Sant Gil d'Albió and the Cherry Salsa from Brownwood Farms
Pantaleo by Latterie di Sardegna
Nestled within the rugged terrain of Sardinia, Italy, lies the quaint town of Pantaleo, where a timeless tradition of cheese-making unfolds. Here, amidst the rugged landscape and sun-kissed pastures, Pantaleo cheese emerges as a testament to the artisanal craftsmanship and rich culinary heritage of the region. Crafted from the purest goat's milk, Pantaleo is a rare gem, coveted for its limited production and unique character. Its pale-yellow rind veils a treasure trove of flavors waiting to be discovered. With each bite, the cheese reveals a symphony of sensations—crisp notes of fresh herbs dance upon the palate, intertwined with subtle whispers of lemon. As the flavors unfold, a clean, floral finish lingers, leaving a lasting impression of Sardinia's natural beauty. Pantaleo's texture is a marvel in itself—firm yet yielding, crumbly yet creamy, a testament to the careful aging process that imparts depth and complexity to its character.
Pantaleo from Latterie di Sardegna and the Cranberry Gingersnaps by Nyäkers
Goat Gouda by Beemster
Beemster Cheese is known for its high quality and exceptional taste, with a variety of styles that range from mild to aged, making them one of the best cheesemakers in Holland. And their Goat Gouda is no exception in their award-winning line of fantastic cheeses. This Gouda is crafted from the milk of goats that graze in North Holland's lush, fertile pastures. The result is a creamy, buttery flavor that works well with most of your favorite pairings. Beemster uses their artisan-cheese-making techniques to craft a goat's milk cheese worthy of their name. Its traditional aging methods help develop a mellow, full-bodied taste that is buttery, lightly sweet, and refreshing without any of the sour "goatiness" that is characteristic of most goat cheeses. Uniquely flavored without being overly powerful or pungent, this cheese is an excellent first step into the world of goat cheese for those who have yet to try them. Decidedly different from your everyday chèvre, this cheese is sure to please even the pickiest of palates, making it the perfect choice for friends, family, connoisseurs, and casuals.
The Goat Gouda by Beemster and the Lemon Pepper Marcona Almonds from Mitica
And here are the pairing items that go along with these amazing cheeses…
Lemon Pepper Marcona Almonds by Mitica
Mitica's Lemon Pepper Marcona Almonds are a delightful gourmet snack, showcasing the unique flavors of Spain. Sourced from the renowned Marcona almond variety, known for its rounder shape and buttery texture, these almonds are a culinary gem. Mitica, specializing in artisanal foods from the Mediterranean, expertly roasts and seasons these almonds with a blend of lemon zest, black pepper, and sea salt. The result is a harmonious medley of citrusy brightness and peppery spice that perfectly complements the almonds' natural sweetness. With each bite, you're treated to a symphony of flavors, from the refreshing tang of lemon to the subtle kick of black pepper a satisfying snack experience that's sure to tantalize the taste buds.
Cranberry Gingersnaps by Nyäkers
Straight from the heart of Sweden, Nyäkers' cranberry ginger snaps bring a taste of tradition and family heritage to your table. Produced by a cherished family-owned company, these cookies hail from Västerbotten, where the Åström brothers began their baking journey back in 1930. After years of honing their craft in bakeries across Sweden, Bengt and John returned to Nyaker in 1952, armed with a secret gingerbread recipe that continues to enchant taste buds today. Each bite of Nyäkers' cranberry ginger snaps carries the essence of decades of dedication and the cozy aroma of home-baked goodness.
Cherry Salsa by Brownwood Farms
Brownwood Farms, nestled in Michigan, is renowned for its exceptional specialty food offerings, notably its array of fruit-based preserves, sauces, and salsas. Among these treasures shines the Cherry Salsa, a true gem in the realm of condiments. This salsa boasts a remarkable fusion of sweet and tart cherries harmonized with the savory essence of red bell peppers, resulting in a flavor profile that's both intricate and irresistible. Praised for its bold taste and superior quality, Brownwood Farms' Cherry Salsa has earned a devoted following among aficionados of gourmet delights. Its versatility knows no bounds, making it a prized addition to any pantry or dining table, elevating dishes with its innovative and delectable flavor combinations.
And with that- we wrap up this month’s box.
So, as the new season blooms, remember to think about the abundant possibilities and new beginnings that lie ahead with the coming of spring.
We’ll see you next month.
Did you take some photos while enjoying this box that you were thinking of adding to Instagram? Please tag us @curdbox along with our cheese and pairing- partners: @latteriedisardegnaofficial, @beemstercheese, @forevercheeseco, and
@brownwood_farms. We love to see our cheese lovers enjoying their boxes!
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